EU Implements eIDAS 2 Framework for Digital Identity Wallets

The European Union is moving into the implementation phase of its revised electronic identification framework, commonly referred to as eIDAS 2. The new framework is designed to establish a European Digital Identity Wallet that can be used by individuals and businesses to identify themselves and share verified digital credentials across the EU.

The European Commission adopted implementing regulations during 2024 and 2025 covering technical and operational aspects of the wallet ecosystem, including protocols and interfaces, identification data, electronic attestations of attributes and certification requirements. These measures are intended to establish a common technical framework for digital identity services across Member States.

For LegalTech, the significance extends beyond electronic identification. Identity verification is embedded in several legal workflows, including client onboarding, KYC, access to legal platforms, verification of professional qualifications and execution of electronic transactions.

The wallet framework could allow users to provide verified information without repeatedly submitting the same documents to different service providers. In a legal services context, this could include identity information, professional credentials or other attributes relevant to a particular transaction.

The framework also interacts with the broader European trust-services ecosystem, including electronic signatures and electronic seals. This creates potential for identity, verification and document execution to become more closely integrated within digital legal workflows.

The implementation timetable is particularly relevant for technology providers. EU Member States are expected to make European Digital Identity Wallets available to citizens and businesses by the end of 2026. LegalTech companies developing onboarding, signing or verification products therefore need to consider interoperability with the emerging European infrastructure rather than treating digital identity as a purely national issue.

Image: Daniel Kružík